Peel District School Board Erin Mills Middle School

3546 S Common Crt, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 2B1 Tel: 905-820-9777 Fax: 905-820-1741 http://schools.peelschools.org/1324

March 2020 Newsletter

Maria Kalantzakos Principal Iona Newman-Jobity Vice-Principal Jasminka Pavlovic Office Manager Nina Jaiswal Superintendent Brad Macdonald Trustee Transportation www.stopr.ca 905-890-6000 Safe Arrival Parent Portal at pdsb.schoolconnects.com instagram@erinmillsms

Message from the Administration Team

What a month that just passed. Black History month took us on a journey through the trials and tribulations of the Black Canadians and Americans. During the month, we learned about past leaders and pioneers that shape the road for the present and future. Lots of activities were only in class, yet wonderful conversations were happening around privilege and opportunities.

As we jump into March, the excitement of our Spring Break is felt from day one. Before we reach that break, we want to continue to focus on choices and learning both inside and outside the classroom. As teachers, we want to be clear to students about the learning goals and success criteria so students have a benchmark for success. Outside the classroom, the expectations are not lowered ~ continued respect and kindness is modeled by staff, students and parents of our school community. These conversations will continue throughout the month and beyond.

Please take some time to review the newsletter with all of our exciting happenings and events to come.

EMMS Healthy Breakfast and Snack Program The Morning Morsel and Healthy Snack programs have been running at our school successfully. The food the children receive includes the required servings from Canada’s Food Guide with the emphasis on fresh fruit, dairy and grains. Many children arrive at school each day without any food to sustain them an entire school day. One in five children in Canada are deemed ‘hungry’ defined as lacking foods vital to their physical and emotional development. We know once healthy food is provided, a child’s world changes. They become more alert, able to concentrate, improve socially, physically and academically. This program is vital to our school community.

As outlined in the program guidelines, parents must be given the opportunity to donate

funds. At this time, we are asking for parental contributions to help support our

program. Parents, guardians and members of the community can donate to EMMS

Healthy Breakfast and Snack Program online by visiting our school’s website

(http://schools.peelschools.org/1324/Pages/default.aspx) and clicking the following:

This will take you to School Cash Online. We are also accepting food donations such

as fruits, vegetables and boxes of Cheerios. These items can be dropped off in the

main office any time during school hours.

Thank you for your continued support of our program. If you have any questions, please

do not hesitate to call the school (905-820-9777) and speak to the admin team.

Mark your calendar…..

Date Event

March 5th Grad Photo

March 5th OPP presentation for grade 6: Into to Social Media

March 6th Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day

March 7th Fuse 180 Night @ Erin Mills 6:30-8:30

March 9th Mississauga Steelheads Presentation: Grade 8

March 11th OPP presentation for grade 6: Intro to Social Media

March 16th-20th MARCH BREAK (No School)

March 24th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 26th Wellness Works presented by CMHA @ Erin Mills MS 6:30-

8:30

April 6th School Council Meeting

School Council Our 2019-2020 School Council is as follows:

Chair/Co-Chair Falen Salloum - Chair Nathalie Laliberte - Co-Chair

Secretary Erica McBride

Teacher Rep Paul Marcanio

School Admin Team Maria Kalintzakos (Principal) Iona Newman-Jobity (Vice Principal)

Treasure/Co-Treasure Nathalie Laliberte

Non teaching staff Member

Community Rep

If you have some time to spare, then please attend our next school council meeting on April

6th, 2020 in the library at 6pm.

If you would like more information about the school council or have questions that you

would like answered at the next meeting, please contact your school council reps at

erinmillsms.coinil@peelsb.com.

Dates for upcoming meetings: April 6th, May 11th

Please click the link for information about the March Parent Presentation

https://forms.gle/rUpciDT5Nez8e1e7A

Celebrating Faith and Culture March 2020

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

March Sugar Moon Indigenous Worldview (First Nations

Sunset of March 1 to 19 Alá (Fasting month) Bahá'í March 2 Clean Monday (J) Christianity March 6 World Day of Prayer Christianity March 8 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Nirvana Day Buddhism March 8 or 12 Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Birthday Buddhism March 9 Holi Hinduism Sunset of March 9 to 10 Purim Judaism March 10 Hola Mohalla Sikhism March 14 New Year Sikhism March 16 to 20 Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem Zoroastrianism March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Christianity March 20 Shunki-sorei-sai Shinto March 20 Lady Day (Ostra) Wicca March 20 or 21 Naw Ruz/Navroze (FC) Bahá'í/Zoroastrianism March 21 Eid e-Navroz Islam Eve of March 20 or 21 to March 21 or 22

Isra and Mi’raj Islam

March 24 or 25 Vasant Navratri and New Year’s Day Hinduism March 26 Khordad Sal (FC) Zoroastrianism

Reminders

Hot Lunch reminder: Lunch Box: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Pizza Nova: Tuesdays and Thursdays The goal is to provide a "Lunch Program" that allows a student to buy a hot and healthy lunch at school. Our lunch program will meet the Ministry Food & Beverage Policy guidelines. If busses are cancelled then lunches will not be delivered for that day (ie Snow Days ) credit will be applied. To support a safe climate, students are strongly encouraged NOT to go off school campus to South Common Mall or South Common CC during their lunch time. All 3 areas will ask student to exit their premises promptly during our lunch break. Please let us know how we can help if an emergency comes up and your child(ren) do not have lunch. We are here to help anytime.

Students with Medical Needs

All students who have a medical condition must alert the school immediately. Contacting the school at the beginning of the year alerts us to the condition and allows us to update our data. In cases where the condition is serious or requires medication to be kept at school, two forms will be sent home. The first allows us to keep the medication at school and second outlines the steps that the school will need to take in the event of an

emergency. Both will need to be signed by a doctor.

ALL students who require an EPi-Pens/Puffers will be required to wear them throughout the day in a fanny pack. Any student that does not have the EPi-Pen and/or Puffer on them will be asked to call home and one must be brought to the school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms NJ. Prescribed Medication In the event that your family doctor prescribes medication for your child at some time throughout the school year, a form must be taken to the doctor to be completed before we are able to give medication at school. Pls see the office for the prescribed medication form if needed. All medications must be kept at the office and students should not have medication in their locker or backpack. Students are NOT to self-administer medication for safety reasons.

Student Safety and Teacher Supervision

At EMMS, teacher supervision begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Students are encouraged to plan their morning routine around this arrival time and to leave school promptly at dismissal time so that we can be certain of their safety. At the end of the school day, staff is on duty until 2:25 p.m. to assist students with boarding the buses and to see that they are on their way home. Students and their families should review their routines for entry and dismissal and talk about a contingency plan should unusual circumstances occur. Students should go directly to the office for help should they miss their bus. We appreciate the many families who update us with their current phone numbers for home, work, cell phones and emergency contact so that the office may help students when needed. Important Kiss'n Ride Reminders - When picking up your child(ren), please find a parking spot and have your child(ren) meet you there. Parents and/or Guardians are using the bus lane as parking while waiting to pick up. This causes a delay for the busses to leave resulting in drop off times to be off and also the remainder of the runs for the afternoon. The staff on duty will ensure that all cars in the bus lane park in the parking spots.

Safe Arrival/Attendance at School - Accountability Step

All students are expected to attend school regularly. Students should be in line, ready to enter

the building at 8:05 a.m. for morning entry and 11:40 p.m. for lunch entry. If your child will be

late or absent from school, please contact the School Messenger at 1-855-209-6155 or

go.schoolmessenger.ca or download the School Messenger mobile app for Apple and Android

users. This line is dedicated to messages regarding late or absent students and is available 24

hours a day. When children return to school after an absence, they are responsible for

connecting with their homeroom teacher and their rotary teachers to catch up with any missed

work or assignments. All classrooms have a section of the blackboard devoted to homework

and assignment due dates and routines students follow when absent. Students that are late

must have a note from a parent explaining the reason for being late. The conversations will

begin with the students, then families and may result in additional supports becoming involved

to ensure that the lates and/or absences are being addressed.

Dress Code at EMMS

At EMMS, students are asked to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves

and others.

Students are expected to wear:

✔ Shirts that cover their entire torso and undergarments

✔ Shorts/skirts of a suitable length (i.e. when a student’s arms are by their sides the

shorts/skirts should touch their middle finger with no undergarments showing as students use

stairs

✔ Tee shirts without questionable messages/logos/ captions

✔ Outdoor wear (gloves, hats, scarves, boots etc.) are not to be worn indoors; it important to

have 2 pairs of shoes at all times at school

Please refer to the student agenda for any additional information. Inappropriately dressed

students will call home to have a parent/guardian bring a change of clothing or wear a clean t-

shirt provided by the admin team.

For Your Information….

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio, television stations and will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org, Twitter @STOPRinfo and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. One of the following messages will be announced: Peel District School Board buses are cancelled This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual. All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits. All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed. All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled

This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

Report your child’s immunizations to the Region of Peel online When registering for school for the first time, parents and guardians are required to provide up-to-date immunization information for their children. This includes registering for kindergarten. You can update your child’s immunizations online. The online immunization tool allows you to attach a photo of the immunization record. When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is required. Report immunizations online at: www.peelregion.ca/immunize After you report your immunizations online you will be given a reference number. Keep this number for your records. You will need to give this number to your child’s school when registering. If you do not have online access or your child does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a copy of the immunization record to the school. Make sure your child’s name and date of birth are visible on the record. Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your child does not have an immunization record or if you have any questions about immunization exemptions. For more information, visit www.peelregion.ca/immunize

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:

● Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are

many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

▪ Family Doctors’ offices

▪ Walk-in clinics

▪ Pharmacies

● Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and

symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep

them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.

● Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and

mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or

sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid

touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.

● Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water

or use hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

In the Peel District School Board, we #ChooseACTION each and every day to proactively eliminate racism in all forms and be inclusive in our school communities. We use an anti-oppressive stance to support and maintain a safe and positive Climate for Learning and Working for staff, students and community well-being. This important day, which we will recognize as a board on Tuesday, March 24th, will help lead the work we all do in our schools with our students in support of equity and inclusion.

History of the Day: On March 21st, 1960, Afrikaner police opened fire and killed 69 Indigenous South African people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. They were protesting the apartheid "pass laws" that severely restricted the movement and freedom of Indigenous South Africans. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly of the United Nations called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Peel District School Board Focus: This year supports and resources focused on Anti-Black Racism and Islamophobia have been curated and provided to schools. Educators are encouraged to use this sampling of tools throughout the year in our schools and classrooms. Our goal is to proactively eliminate racial discrimination every day. For more information and for activities to commemorate the day with your children please access the resources: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/equity

Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day on March 6

In 2017, the board of trustees declared the first Friday in March as Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, March 6, 2020. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of lunchroom supervisors, and their support and commitment to helping to ensure that students are safe and secure.

Using social media safely With the growing number of social media sites, it is no surprise that social media is the most common form of communication for children and teenagers. Posts, status updates, comments, instant messages, video uploads, tweets and texts have become a regular part of their lives. While there are many positive benefits to using social media, including staying connected with friends and expressing your interests, students must be cautious in their use of these networks. Among the most popular social media platforms used are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and Whatsapp Messenger. Many of these platforms are free and are available on smartphones and other electronic devices. These platforms are easy to navigate and often allow information to be shared instantly, not only with friends, but with strangers. On social media, it is important to remember that the world is watching. Here are some tips, provided by the Canadian Safe School Network and GetSafeOnline.org, to keep your children safe and help them make smart choices when using social media: ● Set some boundaries for your child before they get their first ‘connected device’ (mobile, tablet,

laptop or games console). Once they have it, it can be more difficult to change the way they use it or the settings.

● Have a conversation about what is appropriate online behaviour and what actions could have huge

repercussions that could damage their reputation and be harmful to others.

● Talk to your child about the kind of websites they look at. Encourage them to speak to you if they come across something they find worrying or upsetting on websites, games or social media.

● Discuss with your child what is safe and appropriate to post and share online. Written comments, photos and videos all form part of their ‘digital footprint’ and could be seen by anyone and available on the internet forever, even if it is subsequently deleted.

● Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they

shouldn’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Users should only accept people

they know in order to protect themselves from spammers, strangers and others who may be using

social networking sites to commit crimes.

● Unlike when they’re meeting someone face-to-face, children don’t always know who they’re actually ‘talking’ to online, even if they think they do. Tell your children they must never email, chat, or text with strangers, and it’s never okay to meet a stranger in the real world.

● Ensure your children set their privacy settings appropriately. Take the time to learn how privacy settings work on your children’s favourite sites, and teach them how to control their privacy.

● Tell your children never to share personal and private information with anyone online. This includes,

but is not limited to, his or her full name, age, birth date, address, phone number, social insurance

number, credit card information and parents’ full names.

● Limit the amount of time that your children spend on social media platforms and talk about the

importance of healthy and appropriate use of technology.

2020 March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre

Open House

Wednesday, March 18 - Saturday, March 21 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to the Maple Syrup Sugar Bush. Join in on an authentic Canadian tradition. For a number of years, the Peel Field Centres have invited the public for an awe-inspiring visit to our outstanding Maple Sugar Bush during the March break. Individuals and families are invited to get involved as spring comes to life. Help empty sap buckets, tap trees or sample some freshly made maple syrup as we celebrate the new syrup season. Take a hike along our tranquil trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand. Discover the importance of Ontario’s first harvest and witness some of the many ways both sweet water and maple syrup are made in this region. Your visit would not be complete without a trip to the sugar shack where the sap will boil and clouds of sweet smelling steam will billow out of the chimney. Have a taste of the freshly made syrup: it’s going to be sweet! The cost is $5.00/adult and $4.00/child 12 and under. Lunch will be available for purchase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs for you to roast over an open fire. Please note that all payments are “cash” only. For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre, 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta:

● North on Mississauga Rd. ● Left on King St. (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left) ● Right on Winston Churchill Blvd. (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on

your left) to the top of the hill ● Left into the Jack Smythe site.

Parent resources help you support your child’s learning At the Peel board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each child. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout his or her entire school experience. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild to explore all resources available to parents. There you will find easy-to-navigate buttons that connect families to tip sheets and web pages on a number of different topics, including math, homework, special education, EQAO and mental health.

Keep your child’s eyes healthy Did you know that vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any different? As many as 10 per cent of preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can affect the development of their sight if not treated. However, if caught by the age of 5, treatment will be most effective. The Region of Peel recommends regular eye exams for your child to help find eye problems early and get the right treatment. The best way to ensure good eye health is to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist. Yearly eye exams for children 19 and under are covered by OHIP. What to expect at your child’s eye exam An optometrist will complete:

● General vision testing in both eyes. ● Eye muscle testing. ● Eye coordination testing. ● A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.

If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child. For information on overall vision health, common signs of a possible eye problem and the programs available to you within Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/vision-health

Talking With Children and Youth About Mental Health Concerns From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

It can be challenging to talk about mental health concerns - especially to our own children! As parents (like others), we sometimes avoid the conversation because we don’t know how to start, or we worry that by expressing concerns, we will make the situation worse. However, it is important to remember that acknowledging and discussing worries, concerns, or changes in behaviour openly and honestly with our children is more likely to open up lines of communication rather than worsen the situation. Here are some tips to consider if you want to talk to your child about mental health concerns:

● To begin the conversation, find a quiet time when you are unlikely to be interrupted. ● Reassure your child that they can be open and honest, without you getting angry (even if

you become scared or worried by the information they disclose). ● Describe the changes that you have noticed in your child’s mood, behaviour, or reactions.

For example, “I have noticed that you are crying more often since school started” or “I have noticed that you seem more frustrated recently.”

● Try to label or “name” your child’s emotions and thoughts. For example, “I wonder if you’re feeling sad about losing your friendship with Sam” or “I wonder if you are thinking that this cannot be fixed.”

● Allow your child time to reflect and respond. Silence is okay. ● Be persistent. If your child responds with “nothing is wrong...leave me alone,” reassure

your child that you are there for them. Give your child some time and revisit the conversation again.

● If your child tells you anything that makes you increasingly concerned, reassure them that you are glad they told you, offer to help them find the right professional to talk to, and reinforce that you will be there for them throughout the journey.

Remember, for many children and youth, everyday loving support from caring

adults will be enough to help them thrive.

However, some children and youth require additional help. Ask your child’s teacher or Principal about the mental health supports and services offered within schools. There are also community resources that provide mental health support to children, youth, and families.

● To access child and youth mental health services in the Region of Peel, visit wheretostart.ca.

● The Mental Health Resource Team has also created a Peel Youth Mental Health Resources handout that you can access here: bit.ly/PeelYouthResources.

● Consider the Kids’ Help Phone Resources Around Me service (web: kidshelpphone.ca). ● Make an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to ask about

additional supports. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

Coming Soon

Free Dental Screening

At School A dental screening is a quick assessment by a Registered

Dental Hygienist who will take a look inside the child's mouth.

A separate, sterilized mouth mirror is used for each child. If a

child is identified, a form will be sent home and the parent

may be contacted by a dental staff member. A re-screening

may be required. Peel Public Health provides dental screening in

select grades in Peel elementary schools as required by the Ontario

Ministry of Health and Long‐ Term Care.

Where: Erin Mills MS

When: April 16, 2020

Grades: 7

If you DO NOT want your child to be screened, please visit

www.peelregion.ca/dental/schoolscreening or call 905-799-

7700 extension 5622 by April 15, 2020.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

If you require a hard copy. Please see Mrs Newman-Jobity to receive a copy.